Stuart signs contract to play in Romania

Bahamian professional volleyball player Eugene Stuart has signed on the dotted line to continue his career playing for Clubo Sporto Municipal (CSM) Arcada Galati in the Divizia A1 league in Galati, Romania this upcoming 2020-2021 season.

The contract was deemed official on Friday through Stuart’s agent. This is his second year playing professionally. He spent last season playing for Karelian Hurmos in the Mestaruuliiga league in Finland. Stuart’s last game for Hurmos was on March 12 before the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the rest of their season.

An excited Stuart spoke about how the opportunity came about to play in Romania.

“My agent had proposed to me other teams in Europe and to no avail. He sent my video to a coach in Romania who said that he was interested in me and that he wanted to make an offer for me. He thought I possessed the potential as a player and that is how Romania came into the equation of teams,” Stuart said.

Arcada Galati are the defending champions in the A1 Romania league – the highest level of volleyball in that country. As the champions in Romania they will be playing in the CEV Champions League.

“My goal for the season is to enjoy the experience. I am playing in the champions league so I want to make the best out of it. I want to play the best that I can. I want to enjoy being in a different country. I know it is a big opportunity and I want to stay healthy,” Stuart said.

Stuart has been in Romania since early September and has been working out with the team after his mandated quarantine after arriving there. He and his team played in the CEV Champions League first round in pool play. They defeated Ford Levoranta Sastamala (Finland) three sets to two on September 24. They lead that pool with five points with OK Ribola Kastela (Croatia) forfeiting.

Stuart also played in four preseason warm-up games in Bulgaria and they split the games.

CSM Arcada Galati was set to get its regular season underway on Saturday past against CS Dinamo Bucuresti but it was postponed because of some teams having players with 

COVID-19-positive results. A new date has not been posted as yet.

The former University of Charleston player was home this past summer with family during the pandemic. He said he tried to find some way to stay in shape despite COVID-19 protocols.

“I spent most of the summer exercising and trying to stay in shape as best as I can,” Stuart said. “I had to try my best since the gyms were not open. I also played beach volleyball and some outdoor volleyball to get in some volleyball repetitions. I also did some running in my neighborhood.”

Stuart said he has settled in Romania. He said the only two things he had to get accustomed to was the time difference and the currency because they do not use Euros but rather the Romanian Leu.

He said the same COVID-19 protocols are in place as The Bahamas, for example wearing masks, sanitizing and social distancing. In respect of the guidelines in place, Stuart said otherwise, it is business as usual.

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